Citation and License

BMC Medical Ethics 2012, 13:28
doi:10.1186/1472-6939-13-28

Published: 30 October 2012

Abstract

Background

Continued advances in human microbiome research and technologies raise a number of
ethical, legal, and social challenges. These challenges are associated not only with
the conduct of the research, but also with broader implications, such as the production
and distribution of commercial products promising maintenance or restoration of good
physical health and disease prevention. In this article, we document several ethical,
legal, and social challenges associated with the commercialization of human microbiome
research, focusing particularly on how this research is mobilized within economic
markets for new public health uses.

Methods

We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews (2009–2010) with 63 scientists,
researchers, and National Institutes of Health project leaders (“investigators”) involved
with human microbiome research. Interviews explored a range of ethical, legal, and
social dimensions of human microbiome research, including investigators’ perspectives
on commercialization. Using thematic content analysis, we identified and analyzed
emergent themes and patterns.

Results

Investigators discussed the commercialization of human microbiome research in terms
of (1) commercialization, probiotics, and issues of safety, (2) public awareness of
the benefits and risks of dietary supplements, and (3) regulation.

Conclusion

The prevailing theme of ethical, legal, social concern focused on the need to find
a balance between the marketplace, scientific research, and the public’s health. The
themes we identified are intended to serve as points for discussions about the relationship
between scientific research and the manufacture and distribution of over-the-counter
dietary supplements in the United States.